India copper futures edged higher on Friday on hopes the strength in the equity markets may signal an economic recovery, leading to more demand for the red metal, but a firm rupee may still limit gains, analysts said. The benchmark copper contract MCCJ9 was 1.01 percent higher at 189.40 rupees per kg at 10:38 a.m., after hitting a high of 188.8 rupees in opening trades. "Strong equities is supporting the market," said Harish Galipelli, head of research with Karvy Comtrade in Hyderabad, "We have an upward bias in copper for the day." Copper may trade in the range of 186-192, he added. But the rupee's rise on Friday may limit gains by making the dollar-quoted metal cheaper. The Indian currency climbed on Friday helped by a weak dollar overseas and early stock gains, that allayed worries of foreign fund outflows. At 10:38 a.m., March zinc MZIH9 was 0.48 percent higher at 62.95 rupees per kg, while March lead MLDH9 was 0.16 percent lower at 63.90 rupees per kg.

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